If you’ve been on TikTok lately, or maybe if you’ve tuned into the news for the past couple of weeks, you’ve probably seen something about the “devious licks” challenge currently trending.

If you’re not entirely sure what the challenge entails, don’t worry. The challenge is basically to record yourself stealing small items (although larger things, like toilets, have been taken), and post it on social media, namely TikTok. I would say that it’s honestly named very wrongly, because nothing is actually being licked, but as it turns out “lick” is a slang word for theft. In which case, it’s VERY appropriately named.

You’re probably thinking to yourself, “That sounds really stupid. How could we let that get popular?”

Well, pretty much anything can get popular on TikTok, especially if people find it funny. But the real point is the harm that participating in this strange and risky challenge could cause.

One ILS student, who wants to remain anonymous, said, “I think that the challenge is pretty funny, but it does negatively affect schools.”

Of course, it’s one thing to steal something, but to record it is basically self-incrimination. As if stealing or destroying property isn’t bad enough, there’s absolutely no hope for you if you post it and it gets thousands of likes.

Although there have been many incidents involving a student crossing a line on social media in the past, the Devious Licks challenge literally showcases such incidents to the world, and can ruin a student’s future career.

That’s not to mention the thousands of dollars schools across the country have been paid in property damage. And, most likely, the suspensions or expulsions that ensue. Soap dispensers, toilet seats, paper holders, smart board projectors, erasers, and even entire desks have gotten “licked” as a result of this challenge.

Thankfully, the hype for Devious Licks has died down in the past week or so. Students across the country are realizing that maybe a moment of social media fame isn’t worth not getting into college. After all, you know what they say: The most Devious Lick of all is a successful future from a selfish past… stay safe, ILS.

For more info, try this story